Preventing Sports-Related Tooth Injuries | Edmond, OK, Dentist Damon R. Johnson, DDS
Community Blog Online is dedicated to bringing pertinent information to our community. Here, we speak with Edmond dentist Damon R. Johnson, DDS about how to protect the teeth and mouth from sports injuries this summer.
Q: We are so happy to have you with us today, Dr. Johnson. Thank you for taking time to share with our readers.
Edmond Dentist Damon R. Johnson, DDS: I always look forward to speaking with you.
Q: Well, summer is in full swing, and that means sports. Today, we’d like to talk with you about sports-related injuries to the face – specifically those that can affect the teeth.
Edmond, OK, Dentist Damon R. Johnson, DDS: This is a very serious concern, especially for parents of children involved in impact sports.
Q: Like football?
Edmond Dentist Damon R. Johnson, DDS: Football, baseball, even wrestling or just general, everyday play can result in facial trauma.
Q: Approximately what percentage of dental injuries affect the visible, front teeth?
Edmond, OK, Dentist Damon R. Johnson, DDS: A vast majority – roughly 80%. They can also damage the lips, tongue, and other soft tissue.
Q: What about younger children and toddlers?
Edmond Dentist Damon R. Johnson, DDS: The little ones usually injure baby teeth while they’re learning to walk.
Q: We can’t stop our kids from learning how to walk. But, we understand that there are ways to help prevent sports injuries.
Edmond, OK, Dentist Damon R. Johnson, DDS: That’s true, and we can’t protect them all the time. For athletes however, accessories like helmets, face cages, and mouth guards go a long way to prevent serious injuries to the face, mouth, and head.
Q: Can a knocked-out tooth be repaired?
Edmond Dentist Damon R. Johnson, DDS: In many cases, yes. But time is of the essence.
Q: How much time are we talking here?
Edmond, OK, Dentist Damon R. Johnson, DDS: The tooth really needs to be returned to its socket within an hour of the injury.
Q: Okay, let’s say that I’ve just lost a tooth and I’m heading to my dentist. What should I do with it?
Edmond Dentist Damon R. Johnson, DDS: First, rinse it clean to remove any debris that may be stuck to the root.
Q: With water?
Edmond, OK, Dentist Damon R. Johnson, DDS: If that’s all you have, yes. But, milk is great too.
Q: And then, after it’s clean?
Edmond Dentist Damon R. Johnson, DDS: If you can, try to place it back into its socket but if that’s not possible you’ll have to hold it in your mouth.
Q: I’d be afraid of swallowing it…
Edmond, OK, Dentist Damon R. Johnson, DDS: If you’re really concerned, you can transport it in a clean container filled with milk.
Q: And what if the tooth can’t be saved?
Edmond Dentist Damon R. Johnson, DDS: Unfortunately, not all can. However, modern advances in dentistry means that an artificial dental implant can be anchored into the jawbone. Implants look completely natural and are permanent.
Q: It’s good to know that you don’t necessarily have to lose your smile if you lose a tooth.
Edmond, OK, Dentist Damon R. Johnson, DDS: It is, isn’t it? Especially for teenagers who may be struggling with self-esteem and confidence issues in the first place.